Does polyembryony reduce seed germination and seedling development in <i>Eriotheca pubescens</i> (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae)?

Abstract

Polyembryony and apomixis affected germination and led to smaller seedlings compared with monoembryonic sexual counterparts. Although smaller, these extra seedlings may enhance per-seed survival chances in the Cerrado conditions of seasonal drought and frequent fires and explain the predominance of polyembryonic populations.